Open Letter to Ann Aldrich

ith the publishing of your two books, "We Walk Alone" (1955) and "We, Too, Must Love" (1958), both pocket editions with the Gold Medal label, you have become a rather prominent spokesman for the Lesbian. Consequently you and your works have become subject to much debate among the members of the Daughters of Bilitis and the readers of THE LADDER.

In the Forewords of the books you have stated your purpose:

"...to dispel much of the ignorance which stems mainly from lack of information about the Lesbian. It is not my intention to endorse or to condemn a way of life which is abnormal, but merely to reveal it, with the hope for broader understanding."

"...I hope not only to disclose facets of the broader and more typical female homose %= ual life, but to give voice to much of the opinion from within this group."

Your intentions are admirable, Miss Aldrich, but somehow we feel that you have not reached your objective. You have glossed over that segment of the Lesbian population which we consider to be the "majority" of this minority group. We refer to those who have made an adjustment to self and society and who are leading constructive, useful lives in the community in which they live. While we will grant you that the "average" Lesbian, like any other "average", makes dull reading, you must concede that without inclusion of this group you have not painted a well-rounded and true picture of Lesbian life.

Please do not misunderstand, Miss Aldrich. We are not just looking for affirmation. A true picture of the Lesbian must include the bizarre and more "interesting" examples you cite. But it should not leave the reader with the impression that these represent the sum and substance of the group at large. The cross section of